The New York Yankees are on the verge of signing free agent designated hitter Travis Hafner, according to Chad Jennings of The Journal News.
The Yankees are close enough to a deal with Travis Hafner that it could be announced later today or tomorrow. Sources have indicated that the deal is in place, just waiting for the contract language to be agreed upon.
Jennings adds that the Yankees plan to use Hafner as a platoon DH, limiting his appearances to match up with right-handed pitchers. While no dollar figure has been confirmed, Hafner's contract is believed to be in the neighborhood of the $1.1 million New York gave Raul Ibanez last winter.
Hafner hit the free agent market following the season when the Cleveland Indians declined his $13 million option for 2013. Rather than retain Hafner, the Indians elected to buy him out for $2.75 million. Cleveland was willing to discuss a return on a lesser deal, as they continue to search for their regular DH.